Personal irresponsibility at heart of credit woes

January 18, 2009

Jack Colwell's "Turning against the 'Greatest Generation' " column in the Jan. 4 Tribune rang my bell quite loudly. The theme of the column is that the behavior of the "Greatest Generation" is not responsible for the current financial meltdown. It is well spoken. In my view, the reasons for the current financial meltdown are: 1. Over-huckstering by the commercial world, i.e.: "You deserve the best"; "use your credit card"; "no payments for a year or two or more"; "bad credit, no credit, no problem"; "live it up now, the future will take care of itself." 2. Individual irresponsibility; going into debt beyond what could actually be afforded; pie in the sky. 3. Financial institution irresponsibility; extending credit without adequate collateral to show a quick profit on paper and get bonuses accordingly. 4. Top-executive greed, supported by indulgent boards of directors; outrageous compensation packages plus equally outrageous separation packages. 5. Legislation that fostered easy credit. In summary, a gross national irresponsibility based on greed and a belief in pie in the sky. That many people's lives were adversely affected is a tragedy. That the signs of the meltdown were unmistakable had we looked at the indicators is even more tragic.

Julius MikulakSouth Bend

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No waste The writer who called the rebuilding of Portage Avenue "a waste" obviously doesn't care about the people who live in this area: 1) The part of Portage between Ribourde Drive and Cleveland Road never had any sidewalks. Because of this, there was a lot of senseless horn-honking by drivers and accidents between cars and pedestrians. 2) The new S-shaped entrance to Portage Manor makes it safer for the residents. With the old entrance, drivers would use the circle drive for illegal U-turns, some at high speeds. 3) The new stoplight at the Portage Manor-Indian Springs entrance allows residents to cross the street without missing a bus. 4) Because of a lot of people do not like to use roundabouts, the traffic in this area has been cut in about one-third. Less traffic means it will be safer for pedestrians. 5) The new lighting over both the street and sidewalks makes it safer. 6) The street now has a curb and water drainage on both sides. With the unsightly trees by the cornfield and ragweed by the street gone, the area now looks much cleaner and better. Anyone who calls this construction "a waste" should look at what this area has looked like in the 18 years that I've lived at Portage Manor. They will realize that this comment was "a waste" of their words.

Mark HuffmanSouth Bend

Change When white men discovered America, the Indians roamed the land. The women worked and the men hunted. There were no "taxes" and all was fine. Then white men wanted change for the better. Now, centuries have passed and look where we are today. Which brings me to the point. If there is one group to donate to, it would be to astronomers. Why? We can only pray they find intelligent life out there somewhere before it's too late. If not, it won't be the meek that inherit the earth, it will be the politicians.

Kristine SouleOsceola

Erskine Having read Heidi Prescott's Market Basket on Jan. 11 concerning CiCi's Pizza at Erskine Plaza, I feel compelled to add my two cents. First off, my grandsons would be heartbroken if they were to close that location. Second, the whole plaza was a poor design. It was doomed from the get-go due to businesses being hidden from view of street traffic on Ireland Road. Not every retailer has a sign under Target's to alert the passersby as to what stores are in the shopping center. And we were promised a strolling plaza with park benches, trees, sidewalks leading from store to store. All we have is a half-empty strip mall with a huge parking lot that twists and turns as if the planners closed their eyes while drawing it out! I know the economy has hurt retailers, but it seems to me that Erskine was half-heartedly built to shut up the south-siders who wanted a place to shop. Someone has dropped the ball (again) within city government because they've not stayed on top of keeping this plaza thriving. If it were in Mishawaka, it would have worked. But then that can be said about a lot of things when comparing the two towns. South Bend's mayor needs to ensure Erskine Plaza is success and that CiCi's stays.

Jeff HathawaySouth Bend

Right on time Thanks to Alberta Zimmerman for the Jan. 12 letter, "Change must come from the people." The thoughts and sentiments of her letter have been rolling around in my head for some months now and I thank her for putting them on paper in a kind and thought-provoking way. We need to hear more of this when the media thrive on anything they can find to trash our current president.

May BeMillerOsceola

Gaza violence People are dying in Israel and Gaza. Each life is valued. Each death is grieved. Palestinians had fired crude missiles into southern Israel that had killed seven Israelis in the last two years. Israel has responded with massive air strikes. Associated Press reports as of Jan. 5 indicated that in the previous week and a half, five Israelis and more than 512 Palestinians had been killed. That is one hundred Palestinians for every Israeli. Civilian casualties are mounting. The U.S. government justifies these actions as self-defense, but I fear these words are losing any meaning they once had. The limited retaliation of an eye-for-an-eye has escalated into unlimited retaliation. This disproportional violence will fuel rage, bitterness and hatred that will undoubtedly be used to justify further rounds of violence. No matter how big the club, violence can not bring a lasting peace.